Nigeria have suffered another set back after learning that Striker Odion Ighalo is set to miss AFCON 2021.

The Super Eagles have been left with little options upfront to put up a title challenge in Cameroon.

Ighalo who had recently came out of International retirement was one of the key men for Nigeria in the run-up to to the AFCON 2021.

“(Ighalo) is no longer expected as a result of issues with his Saudi Arabian club,” the Nigeria Football Federation is quoted by The BBC.

Ighalo’s club Al Shabab has reportedly declined to release Ighalo stating that his invitation missed the deadline required to trigger his release for international duty.

The 32-year-old strikers’ absence is a further blow for Nigeria who will be without three other high-profile European-based options who withdrew due to health or administrative reasons.

Napoli hot-shot Victor Osimhen suffered a double-blow with Covid-19 and facial injury both ruling him out.

Watford refused to release Emmanuel Denis while Paul Onuachu of Belgium club Genk is out due to injury.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer